Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday briefed President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on the recent elections in Guinea Bissau
Dr. Jonathan described reports of a coup in the country following the elections as misleading, calling it a “ceremonial coup” carried out by the head of state rather than a genuine military takeover.
Speaking to journalists, Jonathan said the results of the election were already known, and the arrest of the opposition candidate was unnecessary.
“I came this evening to brief Mr President on what happened, as is the tradition for former presidents. For regional and continental matters, it is important that the sitting President receives first-hand information, especially when ECOWAS leaders are meeting and I will not be present,” he said.
Jonathan added, “The election was concluded, collation of results was almost complete, and the winner should be announced. The military should not be removed because of the implications, but the rightful winner must be recognized.”
He urged ECOWAS to engage with Guinea Bissau’s leadership, stressing the release of the opposition candidate, who had committed no offense. “He did not declare himself the winner, which would have been a treasonable act. There is no reason for his arrest,” Jonathan said.
He also called for the announcement of the election results and the inauguration of the legitimate winner if the military agrees.
Jonathan lamented the frequent negative news in Africa, saying, “What happened in Guinea Bissau is not a palace coup. We know real coups. This was a ceremonial act conducted by the head of state himself, which is why I described it as a ceremonial coup.”
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